Alleged shoplifter arrested in Bradford

South Simcoe Police have charged a 23-year-old Barrie man with theft under $5,000 after he was observed stealing merchandise from a store inside the Cookstown Outlet Mall last Monday afternoon.

A citizen called police after witnessing the theft and officers were dispatched. Police arrived and tracked down the suspect leaving the mall in a vehicle. Officers pulled the car over and the man was arrested without incident. Police also spoke to a female passenger in the vehicle and had reason to believe that she may be in possession of drugs.

Police service dog Ronin, who is trained in narcotic detection, was dispatched and searched the vehicle.

A quantity of cocaine was located, resulting in a 35-year-old Barrie woman being arrested and charged under the controlled drugs and substance act.

She was released on an appearance notice. She will appear in Bradford court on March 13.